94-year-old finally laid to rest after 10 days
Alappuzha, Nov 13: Caught in a row between two factions of a church, a 94-year-old man, who died 10 days ago, was finally laid to rest early Tuesday, amid heavy police protection.
The burial of Varghese Mathew, who passed away on November 3, was delayed following a stand-off between the Jacobite and Orthodox factions of the Malankara church over the ownership of a church at Kattachira in Alappuzha district.
Mathew's body had been kept in a mobile mortuary at his house since November 3.
The funeral was delayed after the Orthodox faction refused to allow the the family to conduct the last rites at the St. Mary's Church.
However, the funeral was conducted Tuesday under heavy security and the last rites were led by his grandson,Georgy John, a priest.
"We decided to conduct the funeral under security as we have to consider the dignity of the deceased," District collector S Suhas told reporters.
The church had been under the Jacobite faction for the past several decades.
Though the Supreme Court had issued an order favouring the Orthodox faction, it has not yet been handed over.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pak drones sighted at 26 places; armed drone injure members of family in Ferozpur
New Delhi, May 9 (PTI): Pakistan on Friday continued sending swarms of drones across the Indian border, with the military saying drones were sighted in 26 locations, ranging from Baramulla in north Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat.
The military said drones were spotted in Baramulla, Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala.
"Drones have been sighted at 26 locations ranging from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south, along both the International Border and the Line of Control with Pakistan," it said.
These include suspected armed drones posing potential threats to civilian and military targets, it added.
"The locations include Baramulla, Srinagar, Awantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bhuj, Kuarbet and Lakhi Nala," the military added.
"Regrettably, an armed drone targeted a civilian area in Ferozpur, resulting in severe injuries to members of a local family," a military official said.
The injured have been provided medical assistance and the area has been sanitised by security forces. "The Indian Armed Forces are maintaining a high state of alert, and all such aerial threats are being tracked and engaged using counter-drone systems," said the official.
The situation is under close and constant watch, and prompt action is being taken wherever necessary, he said.
"Citizens, especially in the border areas are advised to remain indoors, limit unnecessary movement, and strictly follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. While there is no need for panic, heightened vigilance and precaution are essential," the official said.
